Chaos Domain
The Chaos Domain turns freedom, unpredictability, rebellion against imposed order and supernatural chaotic power into cleric mechanics. Pathfinder 1e and D&D 3.5e use the same name but materially different granted powers, so the editions are kept separate.
At a Glance
| Divine Sphere | Chaos, freedom, change, unpredictability and resistance to rigid supernatural order |
|---|---|
| Typical Role | Debuffer and anti-law specialist in Pathfinder; descriptor-focused caster in 3.5e |
| Published Rules | Pathfinder 1e and D&D 3.5e |
| Modern D&D Status | No official same-named Chaos Domain in 2014 or 2024 D&D. |
| Typical Patrons | Eris, Loki, Apep |
Edition Applicability
The Chaos Domain is a published option in Pathfinder 1e and D&D 3.5e. There is no official same-named Chaos Domain in D&D 5e/2014 or the 2024 Cleric rules, so this page does not present a modern adaptation as official material.
Chaos Domain — Pathfinder 1e
Rules status: published Pathfinder 1e Core Rulebook domain.
Touch of Chaos
Make a melee touch attack. Until the end of the target’s next round, whenever it rolls a d20 it rolls twice and takes the less favourable result. Uses per day equal 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Chaos Blade
At 8th level, touch a weapon to give it the anarchic special weapon quality for a number of rounds equal to half your Cleric level. You can use this once per day at 8th level, plus one additional time per day for every four Cleric levels beyond 8th.
Pathfinder 1e Chaos Domain Spells
| 1st | Protection from Law |
|---|---|
| 2nd | Align Weapon (chaos only) |
| 3rd | Magic Circle against Law |
| 4th | Chaos Hammer |
| 5th | Dispel Law |
| 6th | Animate Objects |
| 7th | Word of Chaos |
| 8th | Cloak of Chaos |
| 9th | Summon Monster IX (chaos spell only) |
Chaos Domain — D&D 3.5e
Rules status: published D&D 3.5e SRD domain.
Granted Power
You cast spells with the chaos descriptor at +1 caster level.
D&D 3.5e Chaos Domain Spells
| 1st | Protection from Law |
|---|---|
| 2nd | Shatter |
| 3rd | Magic Circle against Law |
| 4th | Chaos Hammer |
| 5th | Dispel Law |
| 6th | Animate Objects |
| 7th | Word of Chaos |
| 8th | Cloak of Chaos |
| 9th | Summon Monster IX (cast as a chaos spell only) |
How the Chaos Domain Plays
Pathfinder makes Chaos tactically disruptive: Touch of Chaos can spoil a foe’s next round of d20 rolls, while Chaos Blade supports martial allies against lawful enemies. D&D 3.5e is more direct, boosting caster level for chaos-descriptor spells.
Who Grants the Chaos Domain?
Eris, Loki and Apep can support different expressions of this sphere where their established deity pages justify it. Chaos should describe the deity’s actual portfolio, not serve as a generic label for anyone unpredictable.
Priests, Temples and Rites
Chaos priests need not all resemble one another. One cult may defend personal freedom, another celebrate transformation, another break tyrannical systems and another venerate destructive disorder. Patron, culture and campaign context determine which interpretation belongs at the table.
What Are Chaos Priests Doing Now?
Chaos priests are breaking binding oaths imposed by force, sheltering fugitives from rigid authorities, provoking change inside stagnant institutions and investigating supernatural laws that have begun to overwrite local custom or free will.
Related Domains and Character Options
Rules Sources and Licensing
- Pathfinder 1e: powers and spell list follow the Pathfinder Core Rulebook Cleric domain rules.
- D&D 3.5e: granted power and spell list follow the 3.5 SRD Cleric Domains rules.
- Edition correction: Pathfinder’s 2nd-level domain spell is Align Weapon (chaos only), while D&D 3.5e uses Shatter. They are not interchangeable.
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